What is Matcha?

So you’ve heard of matcha but what exactly is it? The bright green powder is all the rage at the moment and might be new to you, but it’s actually been around since the 12thcentury, hailing from Japan.

There’s no doubt matcha looks pretty and tastes wonderful, but if you’re still confused about what’s in the powder, we’re here to explain.

How is it made?

Matcha is made from tea leaves which are stone-ground until they turn into a green powder. This powder is sifted and whisked into hot water, creating a drink full offlavour.

Where does Matcha come from?

The best quality matcha comes from Japan and the majority of it is grown in the south end of the country. The different matchaflavoursyou get depend on which region the matcha is harvested in.

These days we might not think twice about getting a matcha latte to go from ourfavouritecafé, but inJapanmatcha tea ceremonies are serious business. A formal matcha tea ceremony in Japan is called chanoyu and the focus is on how the matcha is prepared and served.

Normally thematchain these ceremonies is poured into beautiful bowls decorated by local artisans and the process is one of cultural significance for the country.

How is Matcha made?

Producing matcha is fairlylabourintensive and takes a while to create. About 20 days before harvest, the leaves of the tree are shaded from the sun to increase their chlorophyll levels. This is what creates the vibrant greencolourin the powder.

The shade also creates an amino acid called L-Theanine, the magic ingredient in matcha that helps drinkers to stay calm yet alert.

When harvest time swingsround, the workers choose the best buds and then roll out the leaves to dry for premiummatcha,or lay them out without rolling for regular matcha. After the drying process is complete, the workers pick the stems and veins out of the leaves and grind them with stones until they turn into a fine green powder.

We told you the process waslabourintensive - that’s a hard day’s yakka!

What do you do with Matcha Green Tea Powder?

Preparing matcha is easy-peasy and a lot simpler than using a coffee machine.

Firstyou sift the matcha into your mug and then whisk it in hot water. Rather than letting it brewlikeyou do with other teas, the matcha powder suspends in the water. Leave it too long and the matcha will separate from the water so it’sbestdrinksoon after preparation.

(Photo by @@eugenekhooyr)

If you want to prepare your matcha like the Japanese, purchase achawan(tea bowl) to make and drink the matcha from. Use achashaku, a traditional teaspoon made from bamboo, to put thematchainto thechawan. If you find your powder is clumping, you can use achasen(tea sifter) to break it down into a finer powder.

Using thechashaku, scoop the matcha into thechawanand add hot water. Use yourchasento whisk the drink untila froth formsas little bubbles on the surface. And there you have it – a perfect health drink that actually tastes good!

Matcha & its endless Health Benefits

Matcha has been listed in scientific journals, where researchers havesitedits many benefits thanks to its antioxidant makeup, such as weight loss and disease prevention. The beauty industry has also seen positive effects of matcha for the skin, reducing acne and preventing premature aging.